Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
A comforting and flavorful recipe featuring tender slow-cooked lemon herb chicken paired with fluffy white rice, infused with fresh lemon juice and aromatic herbs. This dish combines the ease of slow cooking with bright, zesty flavors for a satisfying one-pot meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice Mixture
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Garnish
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for balanced flavor infusion.
- Sear the Chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat then sear the chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust; this step adds extra flavor before slow cooking. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
- Combine Rice and Broth: In a bowl, mix together the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano until well incorporated.
- Pour Mixture into Slow Cooker: Carefully pour the rice and broth mixture evenly over the chicken breasts already in the slow cooker, ensuring the rice is submerged.
- Add Lemon Slices: Place fresh lemon slices on top of the rice mixture to enhance the citrus aroma and flavor during cooking.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the rice to absorb the lemon herb flavors.
- Check for Doneness: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.
- Fluff the Rice: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, mixing in any juices and adjusting seasoning if desired.
- Serve: Shred the chicken breasts or serve them whole atop the lemon herb rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon slices for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but enhances the depth of flavor and texture.
- If using high setting on the slow cooker, keep an eye on the rice to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for brighter flavor.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- For best results, use fresh herbs if available instead of dried thyme and oregano.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon herb chicken, chicken and rice recipe, easy slow cooker dinner, lemon chicken slow cooker
